Singapore Attractions

Natures

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Apart from Rio de Janeiro, Singapore is the only city in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries. Only 12km from the city center, this 164-hectare reserve contains more species of trees than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point, Bukit Timah Hill. It is at 162.5m above sea level with well marked paths meandering through the jungle. An ideal place for hikers, it is a habitat for exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, squirrels, and flying lemurs, as well as unique plant life, such as the insect-eating pitcher plant. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Getting there : Take TIBS Bus 171 or 182 from Newton MRT Station.

Sungei Buluh Nature Park

As Singapore's first wetland nature reserve, this park offers several hiking trails and ten observation hides. There are also large freshwater ponds, prawn farms, mangroves, and swamps. This is a great place for adventurous hikers. The park is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.

Getting there : Take TIBS Bus 925 from either Woodlands MRT Station or Kranji MRT Station.

Mount Faber

Mount Faber offers an excellent view of the Singapore skyline, the harbor, and offshore islands. Visitors can take leisurely strolls or rest at the teahouse before catching the cable car to Sentosa Island.

Getting there : Take a taxi or cable car from World Trade Centre.

Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Linked by a 65m bridge, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens reflect very contrasting landscapes. The 13-hectare Chinese Garden portrays the Imperial Sung Dynasty style and echoes the magnificence of the Beijing Summer Palace. It has bridges, a tea gallery, a stone boat, twin pagodas with excellent views, and other brilliant Chinese architecture. On the other hand, the Japanese Garden places heavy emphasis on simplicity using stone lanterns, shrubs, Zen rock gardens, traditional summerhouses, and classical Japanese motifs. They blend together to create a soothing atmosphere. Both gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays.

Getting there : A short walk from Chinese Garden MRT Station.

East Coast Park

Most Singaporeans regard East Coast Park as a favorite play area as it is full of different possibilities. Activities such as bowling, cycling, windsurfing, canoeing, and roller-blading can be enjoyed at this park. Families can also hold picnics here while enjoying the beauty of the park. Other leisure attractions include the East Coast Tennis Centre and the Laguna Golf Course. Eating outlets are also available around the park's vicinity. There are no operating hours.

Getting there : Take SBS Bus 16, alight at Marine Terrace and use the underpass to cross the expressway.

Pasir Ris Park

This coastal park of about 17 hectares includes a 6-hectare mangrove swamp traversed by boardwalks for visitors to appreciate the rich mangrove flora and fauna. It is also a popular spot for bird watching, cycling, kite flying, and swimming. Many families come here to hold barbecues and picnics by the beach. There are no operating hours.

Getting there : Take SBS Bus 403 or 350 from Pasir Ris MRT Station.

Marina South City Park

With fine views of the sea, this park blends art with nature. Giant sundial and disc sculptures that revolve in the breeze are artistic attractions of the park. They include sculptures of Confucius, seven other Chinese legendary heroes, and a 13-meter high brass and stainless expression of Singapore's aspirations called "Spirit of Youth and Sculpture Fountain". The open spaces and breezy environment make it a popular haunt for kite-flying enthusiasts. There are no operating hours.

Getting there : A short walk from Marina Bay MRT Station.

Fort Canning Park

The British built Fort Canning Park between 1859 and 1861 as an arms store, barracks, and hospital. It is sacred to the Malays, as it is where early Malay rulers were laid to rest. It is also where Sir Stamford Raffles built his own bungalow, which is Singapore's first Government House. However, it is now a park overlooking Orchard Road. It contains memorials of Singapore's early history dating back to the 14th Century and a Spice Garden, a small replica of the original 19-hectare tract Raffles established in 1822 as the first experimental and botanical garden in Singapore. Fort Canning is also a popular venue for the arts, including sculpture exhibitions, plays, and ballet. There are no operating hours.

Getting there : A short walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station.

Mandai Orchid Gardens

As Singapore's largest commercial orchid garden, it is definitely worth a visit. Arrays of colorful displays greet visitors at the gardens. One will also be able to witness the method and manner of cultivation. The 4-hectare garden features a whole hillside covered with flowering orchids in the open sunshine, including Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. There is also a landscaped Water Garden at the valley with many plants of botanical interest. The "Orchid Gift Box Service" will deliver the elegant flowers to any address in the world. The garden is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Getting there : Take SBS Bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT Station.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Close to the city, the Singapore Botanic Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens in a 52-hectare spread. It holds thousands of floras, including many rare specimens. It is also a popular spot for outdoor concerts. One of its biggest attractions is the National Orchid Garden, which is located within the botanic gardens. The orchid garden opens from 8:30a.m. to 7p.m. It is the world's largest orchid display, featuring over 60,000 plants and orchids. It promises sprawling orchid displays and an exotic bromeliad collection from Central and South America, among other plants. Other attractions include Palm Valley, Eco-Lake, and outdoor concerts on Symphony Lake. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.

Getting there : Take SBS Bus 7, 105, 106, 123, or 174 from Orchard MRT Station.

Reservoirs (MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar, and Seletar)

Broad swamps, jungle, and greenery that run through the central northern part of Singapore surround these reservoirs. They are popular for family outings and picnics, providing a quiet contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. A variety of recreational facilities are provided, such as paddle boating and golf at Seletar, or sport fishing at Lower Seletar. MacRitchie has a 12-hectare park with a jogging track, exercise area, playground, tea kiosks, and a fountain. Orchestras or local school bands play on most Sundays at the MacRitchie Reservoir. There are no operating hours.

Getting there : Best by taxi.